Lifting 88 Chevy 1500 4x4 IFS

[JOE13]

I put a 3in body lift on my truck and put some 33 x 12.5 Interco Thornbirds on it. I'm thinking about a suspernsion lift now. My friend's uncle has a rear 2.5 traction lift for the rear and I was wondering if I would be able to crank the torsion bars up 2.5 inches? What all would I need to do to straighten the camber? If 2.5 in is imposible, then how much would I be able to do it. I was thinking of maybe getting the Rancho 1.5 inch torsion lift and cranken em up an inch to get it 2.5 in the front. Any ideas? Thanks.

(Lifts are addictive!:eek: )

 

[G. Gearloose]

Joe,
Do some searching on the 2.5" kit and you may find people find it uncomfortable, marginally performing then re-do it with the 4" kit.

I don't think you could get 2.5"out of the front tortion bars, and if you could, it would ride like a brick, it simple doesn't leave enough downward travel, ruins steering geometry and you may go though ball joints quickly.

Personally, I did the big truck thang once, but now have a CUCV project to play with. (all solid axle) My solution to my weed-snagging, level sitting '96 1500 was to turn up the tortion bars modestly, to get back stock ride height plus 1/2-3/4", Then put in a long-leaf add-a-leaf in the rear (got it level and that resolved the wallowy-boat feeling) then to give it a little rake, stock 1.5" blocks from a 2000 1500 (18$ ea at GM). With new U-bolts from NAPA cost me a hair over 100$. Cast lower control arms (from a 2500) can handle a little more extention then the stamped/welded 1500's if you quest more.

So if you already run 33's with the BL, this may give you the extra you desire.

 

[Offroadr]

Torsions will only give you 1.5"

You will have to buy a lift for more

 

[Kyron]

Don't tighten the torsion bars, it will not flex with them to tight.

Do it right the first time, get a real 4" suspension lift kit. or do a SAS (straight axle swap) and put some fordies on it so you can "hng with the big dogs" :)


p.s How do you like those Thornbirds???

 

[JOE13]

They're great. They're surprisingly quiet on the highway and handles the mud nicely. They look great too because of the aggressive side lugs. They definately look a lot better in person.